Wow, what a first two weeks. We have walked about 145 miles from Amacalola Falls to Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC). We’ve met all kinds of people, had all kinds of weather, and hiked all kinds of terrain. The last two days we hiked to Wayah Bald then to the NOC. From Wayah to the NOC has probably been the most frustrating hike so far as I feel 4-5 times slipping on mud, rocks, and roots all the way down the mountain. The hike that day was a 17 miler, but the first 11 miles were a cake walk. It wasn’t till we started the down hill with massive rain falling did my mental break down begin.
That was really one maybe two frustrating days, but frustration is something I usually something I expect when planning trips like this. Not in a pessimistic way, but just a knowledge of, ‘sometimes things don’t always go as planned,” kind of way. Anyways, We’ve gotten to meet and love on all kinds. The LORD has usually given us someone to hike/camp with for about a day or two where we just get to talk to them. Most of the time I catch my self listening to Mark (the guy I’m hiking with) having a conversation with the person that’s with us. Mark has a way of evangelizing that’s totally unsubtle yet loving and flowing. Sometimes the conversations will go into beliefs or experiences and Mark just gives God recognition and shows how The LORD’s truth has held water in his life. It’s fascinating to watch.
I have found that I am very new to evangelism with such intetionality and consideration behind it, and it has to be that way in this atmosphere. God’s word tells us that our words have power and you have to be extra mindful of this on the trail because you don’t just tell folks about Jesus and leave and hope they really do receive Christ and pray for them. Your usually around these people for weeks at a time. I have shared my testimony maybe a few times so far on the trail, but I also want to get to a place scripturally, mentally, spiritually, and certainly socially where I put everything up against scripture (even in conversation) in a loving and compassionate way. Mark represents Christ in this way and it’s so cool to see. If y’all could pray for me in this way I would be so thankful!
On top of all this God had blessed us in some super cool ways! The first time we tried to stay in town, a church put us up for the night in a Hotel. Two other nights friends of friends put us up in there homes, fed us, did our laundry, and let us wash up in their homes! Thanks Jenny and Lenny! God has been providing all over this trip and I don’t think He’s quite done with Mark and I yet. 🙂
Keep praying for healing, safety, provision, and that we be able to reach people for Christ!
Thanks y’all
Steven Buffington
